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- Dune trek and sandboarding — The Maspalomas dunes feel like a tiny stretch of Sahara right next to the sea, so hiking across them or sliding down the slopes is unlike any ordinary beach walk. Go early or late to avoid the heat, bring lots of water and a scarf for wind/sand, and you can rent a simple sandboard nearby if you want a silly, cheap adrenaline hit.
- Sunset at the lighthouse — The lighthouse sits between town and the dunes and gives one of the most photogenic sunset backdrops on the island; locals gather here, small fishing boats pass by and the light on the sand is unreal. It’s my personal favorite for ending a day — low fuss, great light, and easy to combine with a relaxed promenade walk.
- La Charca lagoon — birdwatching and people-watching — That little salt lagoon tucked by
- Dune trek and sandboarding — The Maspalomas dunes feel like a tiny stretch of Sahara right next to the sea, so hiking across them or sliding down the slopes is unlike any ordinary beach walk. Go early or late to avoid the heat, bring lots of water and a scarf for wind/sand, and you can rent a simple sandboard nearby if you want a silly, cheap adrenaline hit.
- Sunset at the lighthouse — The lighthouse sits between town and the dunes and gives one of the most photogenic sunset backdrops on the island; locals gather here, small fishing boats pass by and the light on the sand is unreal. It’s my personal favorite for ending a day — low fuss, great light, and easy to combine with a relaxed promenade walk.
- La Charca lagoon — birdwatching and people-watching — That little salt lagoon tucked by the dunes is a magnet for migratory birds and for laid-back local life (you’ll see photographers, kids, and the occasional flamingo). It’s special because it’s a wildlife pocket literally on the beach — best early morning or late afternoon when birds are active.
- Camel rides across the dunes (or a cheap DIY walk) — The camel caravans are iconic here and make for a memorable, very touristy experience. They’re not cheap, and welfare standards vary, so weigh it up — alternatively a long self-guided walk through the dunes gives the same desert-feel for free and is way more flexible if you’re on a budget.
- Evening promenade, markets and dune stargazing — After dark the seafront calms into low-key nightlife: stalls, street food/market vibes and relaxed people-watching along the paseo. If you’re after quieter moments, head a little into the dunes for star-silvered skies away from the busiest lights — just stick to safe, allowed areas and don’t trespass into protected spots.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.